The 911 Handbook Study Guide Questions

Lesson 17 Chapter 15

When You Feel Like Complaining: The Empty-Net Syndrome

We can choose to be either an optimist or a pessimist on empty net days.

The optimist says: "God had a reason why we didn’t catch anything."

Every situation can be viewed from God’s perspective or a human viewpoint. Discuss how viewpoint can determine whether a person becomes an optimist or a pessimist.

From God’s perspective, what was the primary reason Charles Francis Adams needed to take his son fishing?

Discuss why we need to look beyond our human viewpoint in order to keep our attitudes right.

The optimist says: "I will trust and obey, though I don’t understand."

Discuss several reasons why it was God’s will for them to fish all night and not catch anything.

Why do you think Peter decided to let down the nets again after they had worked all night and caught nothing?

Why does God sometimes allow us to exhaust our resources before He performs a miracle?

The optimist says: "Look at the fish!"

How can the object of our attention determine whether we complain or rejoice?

How can focusing upon our blessings (fish) reduce the burden of our problems (broken nets)?

The optimist says: "God is blessing our boats!"

Why did God allow them to catch so many fish that it filled the boat and began to sink?

What are "good" problems?

The optimist says: "I’m a sinful man!"

Why does a pessimist think he's not a bad person?

Why did Peter call Jesus "Master" in verse 5, but called him "Lord" in verse 8?

The optimist says: "I am gaining eternal life!"

Why would they leave everything behind after they caught the tremendous haul of fish?

Why weren't they worried about the loss of income if they followed Jesus?

List some things we can do to change our attitudes from pessimistic to optimistic?